National Drowning Report 2023

As we present the National Drowning Report for 2023 in partnership with Surf Life Saving Australia, we remain ever mindful of the people whose lives have been lost or impacted by drowning, including the many families affected by the loss or long-term injury of a loved one.

We are saddened to share that the National Drowning Report 2023 shows that:

1. 281 people drowned in Australian waterways
2. 77% of drowning deaths were male
3. 57% were over the age of 45 years

National Drowning Report 2023 for Queensland

• 2022/23 drowning deaths: 61
• 10-year average: 66
• This is an 8% decrease compared to the 10-year average
• 2022/23 drowning fatal drowning rate per 100,000: 1.15
• 10-Year Average Fatal Drowning Rate per 100,000: 1.35
• This is a 15% decrease compared to the 10-year average

QLD 2022/23 Facts:

• 70% of all drowning deaths in Queensland were males (43 deaths)
• 20% of drowning deaths adults aged 45-54 years (12 deaths).
• 10% of drowning deaths children under 5 years of age (6 deaths).
• Top 3 locations
  • 28% of drowning deaths occurred at River/creek locations (17 deaths)
  • 23% of drowning deaths occurred at a Beach (14 deaths)
  • 21% of drowning deaths occurred at Ocean/harbour locations (13 deaths)
• Top 2 activities:
  • 39% of drowning deaths occurred while swimming and recreating (24 deaths)
  • 16% of drowning deaths occurred while boa􀆟ng (10 deaths)

Previous National Drowning Reports